Postal Authority: Stamps, Book and CD for Rabbi Nachman

For the first time, Israel is issuing a souvenir set for Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, including stamps, book, and CD of his poems set to music.

By Hillel Fendel

First Publish: 9/2/2010, 7:00 PM / Last Update: 9/2/2010, 7:21 PM

For the first time, the Israel Postal Authority is issuing a souvenir set dedicated to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, including a set of stamps, a book, and a CD of the Rabbi’s poems set to music.

The set is being issued to comemorate the 200th anniversary of Rabbi Nachman’s death, which occurred on the 18th of Tishrei (Sept. 26 this year) in the Hebrew year 5571.

The special government agency-designed stamp features a colorful depiction of the Hassidic master’s famous tomb in Uman, in the Ukraine. Tens of thousands of Jews from Israel and around the world are expected to celebrate the upcoming Rosh HaShanah holiday in Uman, as they do each year, in accordance with Breslov tradition.

On the stamp sleeve are famous sayings by Rabbe Nachman, including one in his own handwriting. These include “The entire world is a narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid at all,” and “It is a great commandment to be in joy.”

The set includes:

1. Four stamps, with a value of 3.70 shekels each.

2. A 24-page book with Hebrew and English renditions of Rabbi Nachman’s sayings corresponding to various occasions year-round.

3. A music CD featuring 13 songs written by Rabbi Nachman, with tunes composed by Rabbi Nachman and his students, and produced by Itzik Lichtenfeld. Lichtenfeld was the producer of popular Israeli bands such as Machina, and this is his first disc since he became observant 15 years ago. Songs on the CD are sung by famous Breslov singers such as Shuli Rand, Yisrael Dagan, Adi Ran, Aharon Raz’el, Yosef Kardoner and more.

The entire set is being sold at post offices – and at stands in Uman - for 49 shekels (nearly $13). The stamps alone can be ordered at this link. The entire kit can be ordered by calling, in Israel, 1599-51-0000, or at the Hebrew website